Celtic aim to keep up strong run

by Graeme Jackson

Saturday Aug 29, 2020. 10:00

Bloemfontein Celtic will aim to keep up their strong run since the Absa Premiership’s restart when they host Polokwane City at Tuks Stadium on Sunday 30 August 2020, kick-off at 13h30.

Celtic have gone four games unbeaten – all since the restart – after they held Bidvest Wits 1-1 at home on August 27, with Ndumiso Mabena netting their equalising goal. Phunya Sele Sele have claimed 23 points from 13 home matches so far in the 2019/20 season.

Polokwane played to just their third draw of the season when they were held 1-1 at home by Highlands Park on August 22, extending their winless run to four matches. Rise and Shine have claimed just seven points from 13 away matches in the 2019/20 campaign.

In head-to-head stats, Polokwane and Celtic have met in 13 league matches since 2013/14. The Bloemfontein team has claimed seven wins compared to four for their Limpopo counterparts, while two matches have ended in draws. Phunya Sele Sele have claimed two wins from six home matches in the rivalry, suffering two defeats in the process.

When the teams met earlier this season, at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in November 2019, Celtic claimed a 1-0 away win thanks to a late goal from Victor Letsoalo. The last six league meetings of these teams have all produced away wins.

Celtic’s line-up from their 1-1 draw with Wits on August 27: Celtic: Chaine, Letlabika, Mahashe, Lingwati, De Jongh (Phalane 66′), Mashikinya (Letsoalo 74′), Luthuli, Matjila, Fikizolo, Mabena, Sera (Potsane 83′).

Polokwane’s line-up from their 1-1 draw with Highlands on August 22: Chigova, Nkili, Buthelezi, Motloung, Chembezi, Manaka, Mvelase, Nene (Phiri 80′), Mahlasela (Musona 60′), Tlolane (Maluleke 60′), Mashumba (Anas 90+7′).